The European Commission published the result of the public consultation on the EU Trade Policy Review on 2 December. The 414 responses received between 16 June and 15 November 2020 reflect the willingness of European companies to trade more with the rest of the world under conditions of fair competition. A majority of the responses did come from European industries or industry associations (65%).
The consultation was divided into six parts. Resilience, socio-economic recovery and growth, SMEs, environmental transition and sustainable development, digital transition, and competition. On the various aspects, the majority of responses are in favour of a trade policy which should above all be open. Respondents are concerned, however, about not being able to trade on a level playing field when it comes to environmental standards and working conditions.
This also applies to respect for the environment. The consultation shows a willingness among Europeans to see the EU as a driver of global environmental transition. In that sense, they are not afraid of stricter chapters on trade and sustainable development.
Participants in the consultation also raised an important need to better inform SMEs about trade opportunities and rules, as in their view they do not benefit enough from free trade agreements. They want, for example, to see simplified rules of origin - these are the rules that define the country of origin of a certain product and have a major impact on customs duties.
The majority of these contributions are in line with the position expressed by the European Parliament in its resolution on the review of trade policy. The text was approved by MEPs on 26 November. The European Commission will gather these elements and publish a legislative proposal in early 2021.
See the summary of contributions: https://bit.ly/3qj7y29 (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)